The present invention is directed to a method and a system for providing a digital three-dimensional data model of a component. Thereby, modifications which are accomplished on the component, for instance a cable, are being captured by means of photogrammetry for the creation of a digital three-dimensional modifications data model. The digital three-dimensional data model of the component is afterwards automatically updated as a function of the generated modifications data model.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system for providing a digital three-dimensional data model of a component, the system comprising one of a memory and a database, wherein changes made to the component are detected by means of photogrammetry for the generation of digital three-dimensional change data models stored in the one of the memory and the database by which the digital three-dimensional data model of the component is automatically updated.
A system creates a digital 3D model of a physical component by detecting changes to the component using photogrammetry. The system stores digital 3D change data models in memory or a database. The original 3D model is then automatically updated based on these change models.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein marking elements are provided at each change location of the component.
In the system that creates and updates a 3D model of a component using photogrammetry, marking elements are placed at each location where changes occur on the component. These markings help to accurately identify and capture the modifications.
3. The system according to claim 2 , wherein at least one photographic camera is provided which photographically records the component provided with marking elements at the respective change location from different points of view in order to generate digital images.
Building upon the system where marking elements are placed at change locations, at least one camera captures images of the component with these marking elements from various viewpoints at each change location. These photographic recordings generate digital images used in the photogrammetry process.
4. The system according to claim 2 , wherein the marking elements have measurement marks, which are fitted or stuck to the component, coding marks for linking the different digital images, and reference scales.
In the system using marking elements, the marking elements include measurement marks attached to the component for precise spatial determination, coding marks to link different digital images together for coherent 3D reconstruction, and reference scales to ensure accurate dimensioning within the 3D model.
5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein a calculation unit is provided, which automatically detects the measurement marks provided on the component in the recorded digital images and calculates spatial coordinates thereof, and wherein the calculation unit calculates a digital three-dimensional change data model at the respective change location of the component from the calculated spatial coordinates of the detected measurement marks.
Furthering the system that employs coded marking elements, a calculation unit automatically detects the measurement marks in the digital images and calculates their spatial coordinates. It then calculates a digital 3D change data model at each change location based on these calculated spatial coordinates of the detected measurement marks.
6. The system according to claim 5 , wherein provision is made of a memory for storing a digital three-dimensional data model of the entire component, and wherein the calculation unit updates the stored digital three-dimensional data model of the entire component in a manner dependent on the generated change data models.
This invention relates to a system for managing and updating digital three-dimensional data models of components, particularly in manufacturing or design applications. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate and up-to-date digital representations of components as they undergo modifications during production or design processes. The system includes a memory for storing a comprehensive digital three-dimensional data model of an entire component. This stored model serves as a master representation of the component's geometry and structure. Additionally, the system features a calculation unit that generates change data models, which represent modifications or updates to the component. These changes may include alterations in shape, dimensions, or other geometric features. The calculation unit is configured to update the stored digital three-dimensional data model of the entire component based on the generated change data models. This ensures that the master model remains current and reflects all modifications made to the component. The system may also include a display unit for visualizing the updated model, allowing users to review changes and verify accuracy. The invention is particularly useful in applications where components undergo iterative design revisions or manufacturing adjustments, ensuring that the digital model remains synchronized with the physical or conceptual state of the component. This capability enhances collaboration, quality control, and decision-making in engineering and production environments.
7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the component is an aircraft component, pipeline or an electrical line.
In the system that uses photogrammetry to update a component's 3D model, the "component" being modeled can be an aircraft component, a pipeline (like those used for fluids), or an electrical line.
8. The system according to claim 7 , wherein the pipeline is a hydraulic line, a gas line or a fuel line.
In the system using photogrammetry on a pipeline component, the pipeline can specifically be a hydraulic line, a gas line, or a fuel line. This expands the applicability of the system to different types of pipelines requiring digital modeling and monitoring.
9. A method for providing a digital three-dimensional data model of a component comprising: detecting a change made to the component by means of photogrammetry, and generating a digital three-dimensional change data model by which said digital three-dimensional data model of the component is automatically updated.
A method creates a digital 3D model of a component by detecting changes using photogrammetry. A digital 3D change data model is generated from the photogrammetric data, and this change data model is used to automatically update the existing 3D model of the component.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the component is provided with marking elements at each change location at which a change to the component is made.
The method that updates a 3D model of a component via photogrammetry involves placing marking elements on the component at each location where a change has been made. These markings aid in the accurate detection and modeling of the alterations.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the component provided with marking elements is photographically recorded at the respective change location from different points of view in order to generate digital images, and wherein each generated three-dimensional change data model is stored together with the associated digital images for documentation of the respective change.
The method where marking elements identify change locations involves recording the component photographically at each change location, using different viewpoints to generate digital images. Each 3D change data model generated is stored along with the associated digital images, creating documentation of the change.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the marking elements have measurement marks, which are fitted to the component, coding marks for linking different digital images, and reference scales.
In the method that uses marking elements, the marking elements include measurement marks directly attached to the component, coding marks used to link the different digital images together, and reference scales for accurate dimensioning.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the measurement marks fitted to the component are automatically extracted from the digital images and spatial coordinates thereof are calculated, and wherein a digital three-dimensional change data model at the respective change location of the component is generated from the calculated spatial coordinates of the detected measurement marks.
Expanding on the method using specialized marking elements, the measurement marks are automatically extracted from the digital images, and their spatial coordinates are calculated. A digital 3D change data model is then generated at each change location using the calculated spatial coordinates of the detected measurement marks.
14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein a stored digital three-dimensional data model of the entire component is automatically updated by the change data models generated for the change locations, and wherein the updated digital three-dimensional data model of the entire component is compared with a digital three-dimensional reference data model for the calculation of a model deviation.
The method using extracted measurement marks to generate 3D models automatically updates a stored digital 3D model of the entire component by integrating the change data models generated for the change locations. The updated 3D model is then compared to a digital 3D reference data model to calculate a model deviation, essentially quantifying the difference between the actual state and the expected state.
15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein a fault handling measure is carried out if the model deviation lies outside a settable tolerance range.
In the method where model deviations are calculated, if the deviation falls outside a defined tolerance range, a fault handling measure (such as an alert, repair instruction, or further inspection) is carried out. This allows for automated detection and response to significant discrepancies.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 4, 2009
June 25, 2013
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.